I always look forward to tasting the new wines from Hester Creek Estate Winery, and this release exceeds expectations. Here is the background information and tasting notes for the traditional sparkling wine, a new Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, and two premium red blends. First, a summary of the 2021 growing season and harvest.
2021 Harvest
“The 2021 Harvest should produce some wines of outstanding quality and varietal character. It was one of the warmest and driest growing seasons on record, with the grapes reaching phenolic ripeness earlier than usual.
We started picking our first reds with Merlot in mid-September with our block 8 Merlot on September 14th at our historic Golden Mile Bench estate vineyard. We finished our last estate reds pick of the block 8 Cabernet Sauvignon from our Golden Mile Bench on October 28, 2021.
Overall, it was a lighter crop with exceptional quality. The lighter fruit set was due to a smaller berry size, and the skin ratio to juice was intensified. This resulted in plenty of colour, flavour and aromatics in this vintage. We are genuinely excited to see the finished wines from the 2021 vintage.” Mark Hopley, Hester Creek Winemaker
Hester Creek Old Vine Brut 2021 ($34.99)
From the historic 1968 Golden Mile Bench vineyard, this traditional method of sparkling wine is made with grapes from the rare Old Vine Pinot Blanc vines. The grapes were hand-sorted, and whole-cluster pressed to retain the fruit’s natural brightness and to allow the wine to age gracefully. The primary fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and was followed by a secondary fermentation using the traditional method with 24 months en tirage. Fermented to absolute dryness, disgorgement took place in February of 2024 with a small dosage of the 2023 Pinot Blanc to give the elegant sparkling wine the Brut designation.
Alcohol: 12.0% / pH 3.0 / TA 7.7/ RS 1.5
Aromas of lemon zest, brioche and a hint of spices. Rich flavours of lemon, ripe pear and fresh biscuits with a classic, lively mousse and rich mouthfeel and finish. A beautifully balanced Blanc de Blanc brut that will cellar for years. It is the perfect sparkling wine for any celebration. 93 Points
It is an incredible standalone, or 4 OZ in a Hugo Spritz, and makes the perfect supper sipper when you need a change from Rose´.
Hester Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($34.99)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-harvested late in the season at peak ripeness. After being hand-sorted and gently destemmed, the berries were placed into the Ganimede fermentation tanks, where they were whole-berry soaked for three days before inoculation. After 16 days of maceration, the juice was gently pressed off the skins and encouraged through malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine was aged 16 months exclusively in French oak barrels (35% new oak). The wine was then racked and blended before bottling on June 7th, 2024.
13.5% Alcohol / pH 3.8 / TA 6.0 / RS 0.2
The cabernet has vibrant aromas of blueberry and black cherry. The full-bodied wine has flavours of blackberry, cassis, a hint of cedar, and dark chocolate. The ripe, firm tannins lead to a long, mouthwatering finish. It is very drinkable right now and will improve with age. 92 Points.
Hester Creek The Judge 2021 ($49.99)
Crafted in a classic Bordeaux style using Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a co-fermentation of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Each varietal was hand-picked, hand-sorted and destemmed before being cold-soaked for two days before inoculation.
Fermentation occurred in Italian Ganimede tanks, after which the wine was gently pressed off the skins and encouraged through malolactic fermentation. The lots were blended and barreled down in a combination of new and old French barrels for a subtle oak integration. After aging for 24 months in a barrel, the wine was blended and bottled in May 2024.
46% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.
14.5% Alcohol / pH 3.9 / TA 6.5 / RS 0.4
A bold blend that is more Merlot dominant from the “heat dome” vintage. Aromas of blackberry and ripe plums with dark chocolate, vanilla, leather, and dried herbs. Smooth integrated dusty tannins and concentrated rich flavours of ripe black fruit and earthy mocha undertones. Enjoy now or cellar for 10+ years. 94 Points
Hester Creek Garland 2021 ($64.99)
The Garland was crafted as a premium red wine using the finest red grapes from the 2021 vintage. Each varietal was hand-harvested late in the season to allow the grapes to achieve an optimal fusion of ripeness and intensity. The bunches were then hand-sorted and destemmed, with the whole berries going into the Italian Ganimede fermenters to be cold-soaked for two days before inoculation.
The Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented separately, with the Petit Verdot and Malbec going through a co-fermentation. The lots were then cross-blended and barrelled into exclusively French oak barrels, aged 24 months before being bottled in May 2024.
78% Cabernet Sauvignon/ 18% Petit Verdot / 4% Malbec
13.7% Alcohol / pH 3.7 / TA 6.3 / RS 0.3
Delicious now, Garland 2021 can be cellared for 15+ years. Blackberry and cedar aromas with a hint of sage. Bold and full of dark fruit drama that is luscious on the palate with ripe raspberry, black currant, blueberry and fresh thyme. It is full-bodied with a lovely, delicate texture of grippy tannins and an extended finish. 94 Points
Please visit Hester Creek Estate Winery to purchase their current portfolio of BC wines.